All You Can Drink Packages. Are They Worth It?

                                               Celebrity Summit's Martini Bar

It was on my last cruise that I was made aware of a new program... The All You Can Drink Package.  If I recall correctly, it was about $56.00/day per person and it included all specialty coffees, soft drinks, water, premium beers, alcohol and wine.  The question was.... to take it or do I pay as I go.  Which way am I going to come out ahead, after all on a 7 day cruise we were talking about almost $800/couple!

I ran across an interesting article today which covered this very subject, so I thought I would pass it along:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/blog/index.php/2011/11/08/all-you-can-drink-packages-cheers-or-jeers/#.UThhO8ijWZk.mailto

The one comment that I quite agree is that the all you can drink package gives you a sense of freedom, not having to be concerned with that nagging question..."what is my bill going to be at the end of this cruise?"

In all honesty, I never approached the program with the attitude .... I am going to make sure I come out ahead... but in the end I felt that I probably broke even... plus or minus a few dollars.  I guess I would do it again.

Ray
cruisewithray@gmial.com
@cruisewithray


PS:  I never thought the photo would come in handy.

Family Cruising NCL Style

Last week I attended an interesting webinar sponsored by NCL, Norwegian Cruise Lines.  I was interested in what they had to say about cruising, particularly with young children.

In recent months, NCL has partnered up with The Kings Foundation to develop a comprehensive children's program called Splash Academy for kids 6 months to 17 years.  It seems that NCL is making a special push to attract young family cruisers insuring that parents and children enjoy their days at sea.  Nickelodeon characters are on board the Epic, Breakaway, Gem and Jewel to entertain the young ones as well.

Having traveled with my own children 30 years ago and again last year with my granddaughters, I can say that considering the young ones is not a bad idea when choosing a cruise line.

Family staterooms on NCL can easily and comfortably accommodate four or more passengers, with multiple bedrooms and baths.  The NCL Breakaway was awarded the Best Cruise for Families 2013 by Yahoo Travel.

NCL pioneered Free Style Dining... that is, you can eat at any time you choose as opposed to the early or late seating options.  Definitely something to consider when traveling with children.

Last year a friend, who I consider a savvy cruiser, sailed on a Disney Cruise with his children and grandchildren... he was very satisfied.  We all know that Disney does things right!  That being said, NCL does provide a more affordable alternative to a Disney Cruise by almost 40%.

If you are considering a cruise with you family, NCL is worth taking a look.




Ray
cruisewithray@gmail.com





 

Long before it became fashionable, I have always had a curious interest in ill fated Titanic.  I recall seeing the film A Night to Remember back in the early 60's.  It made a lasting impression on this then 12 year old particularly because I was to make my fist trans-atlantic crossing shortly thereafter.  I remember asking my parents daily during the crossing... "Are you sure I will be considered woman and children?"

Now it appears that a replica of the Titanic will be built shortly, and people will be able to recreate an ocean voyage of the early 20th century.

Check out this article at:  www.cruisecritic.co.uk/blog/?p=6866

Ray
@cruisewithray
cruisewithray@gmail.com

There is an advantage to Cruise Consulting and being associated with Cruise Brothers, I am now privy to interesting deals on cruise that I might not ordinarialy have been aware.

Rather than e-mail you with every offer the Cruise Line sends to me, I will filter them, and put those that I feel are interesting on my blog.  I have joined the 21 Century too, by creating a Twitter Account ... @cruisewithray.  Through Twitter, I can make you aware of opportunities, or share information about, ships, cruise lines or ports of call.

This week, for example, I learned of a great deal... A 10 day Trans-Atlantic cruise, San Juan to Lisbon on the Brilliance of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) in April, for the unbelievable price of $349pp for a balcony room! (Category E3).

Keep reading.... more information to follow.

Ray
cruisewithray@gmail.com
973-330-6030